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Aloha kākou,
After a busy and productive summer, we see the fruits of our hard work in expanding Hawai‘i’s economic and cultural influence. Earlier this month, DBEDT and the County of Maui convened the third and last state-facilitated meeting of the Maui Economic Recovery Commission, which culminated with community-identified projects that are aligned with long-term recovery initiatives.
The recent mission to Japan not only strengthened our sister-state ties but also spotlighted Hawai‘i’s best at the Tokyo International Gift Show. The 10th Annual Hankyu Hawai‘i Fair broke sales records, and initiatives like the Hawai‘i Small Business Fair and new energy efficiency programs are driving growth.
As we look forward, we remain committed to supporting our businesses and communities with upcoming events like the 2024 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference and NELHA's HOST Park Open House, which will foster discussions on sustainable tourism and innovation. The Pacific Tech 2024 Conference will further connect businesses with opportunities for economic diversification.
Thank you for being part of our journey as we continue to build a dynamic and resilient future for Hawai‘i. Mahalo for your support and partnership!
Me ke aloha,
James Kunane Tokioka
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Photo courtesy of Mark Middleton
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DBEDT and County of Maui convened the third and last state-facilitated meeting of the Maui Economic Recovery Commission (ERC) in September at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, which included cultural, economic development, agricultural, non-profit, creative, healthcare and education leaders from Maui; philanthropic, airlines, finance, business and other executives from statewide companies and organizations; and public sector representatives from the county, state and federal levels.
The Maui ERC identified economic recovery projects which include: a Lahaina business park, rebuilding Lahaina Harbor, regular community gatherings that promote healing for displaced families and business recovery, expansion of healthcare services alongside affordable housing with career training, a West Maui water management plan, a wai dashboard, federal funding for recycled water use, a comprehensive workforce development plan, development of a food systems workforce, expedited permitting proposals, and systems mapping for the island.
These projects are community-identified and -led collaborations that complement, amplify, and are in alignment with many of the County’s long-term recovery initiatives.
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Strengthening Hawai‘i-Japan Relations
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From September 2-11, 2024, DBEDT led a successful mission to Japan, promoting Hawai‘i’s exports and reinforcing sister-state relationships. The delegation, including Governor Josh Green and First Lady Jaime Kanani Green, supported over 45 local companies at the 98th Tokyo International Gift Show, generating significant exposure and economic impact. The Hawai‘i Pavilion featured local products, contributing to an estimated $7 million in annual sales.
Key activities included high-level meetings to facilitate trade and investment opportunities and participation in cultural and educational exchanges in Hiroshima, Ehime, and Fukuoka prefectures. Highlights included:
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Hiroshima: Engagements at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and discussions on expanding educational exchanges with Moanalua High School’s sister-school, Hiroshima Kokutaiji High School.
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Ehime: Reviving the Ehime-Hawai‘i Goodwill Youth Baseball Tournament and strengthening cultural ties through student exchanges.
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Fukuoka: Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the “One Health” initiative, addressing human, animal, and environmental health through joint research and education.
This mission sets the stage for future collaborations, including the 2025 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference and the 2026 Japan-Hawai‘i Sister Summit in Hawai‘i.
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DBEDT Keeps Growth Forecast Steady for 2024
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DBEDT maintains its 1.3% growth forecast for Hawai‘i’s economy in 2024, reflecting stable conditions. Key sectors like construction and labor markets are performing well, with the state achieving near full employment. Although tourism, particularly from Japan, has yet to fully recover, visitor numbers are improving. The construction sector continues to be a strong contributor, with a notable 12.7% increase in activity during the first four months of this year. Full economic recovery is anticipated by 2027, supported by gradual growth in tourism and robust construction activities.
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Rescue: HI-Surf Hits the (Air) Waves
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Rescue: HI-Surf, the new lifeguard drama series by John Wells Productions, Warner Bros. Television, and FOX Entertainment, premiered to 4.7 million viewers and is expected to bring significant attention and opportunities to Hawai‘i’s creative industries. With 90% of its crew sourced locally, the series captures the real-life bravery of lifeguards patrolling O‘ahu’s North Shore.
Sweeping audiences into the lives of lifeguards patrolling the North Shore of O‘ahu, Rescue: HI-Surf “delivers just what its title promises” (Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times) with a pulse-pounding drama from executive producer John Wells (The West Wing), who also directs the first two episodes, and Matt Kester, creator, executive producer and showrunner. Led by globally renowned lifeguard, surfer, and Rescue: HI-Surf producer and stunt coordinator, Brian Keaulana, the entire specialized water unit for the series consists of 100% local hires. Kester, who grew up and lives in the North Shore area, also brings deep community connections to a series inspired by the water men and women of Hawai‘i.
A special episode will air on February 9, 2025 after FOX Sports’ presentation of Super Bowl LIX, maximizing the exposure for Hawai‘i from this coveted slot to bring scores of television audiences nationwide into the heavy-water action.
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Record Revenue and New Partnership at 10th Anniversary Hankyu Hawai‘i Fair
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The 10th Annual Hankyu Hawai‘i Fair achieved record-breaking sales of $2.4 million, showcasing over 60 Hawai‘i brands to enthusiastic customers at the Hankyu Umeda flagship store. In conjunction, DBEDT signed a cooperation agreement with Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores to enhance the promotion and sales of Made In Hawai‘i products in Japan. This partnership will expand the Hawai‘i Life platform, offering greater e-commerce and in-store opportunities for local businesses across Japan.
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Help Improve Small Business Financing: Survey Now Open
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The Federal Reserve’s 2024 Small Business Credit Survey is now open, and DBEDT is a partner in this effort. We’re asking owners and key financial decision-makers of for-profit businesses to share their recent experiences about whether and how they use debt, what financial conditions they face, and more.
Answers to these questions contribute to data that directly inform the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others—a public good ultimately benefiting all businesses. Take the 12-minute survey now!
The survey is open to businesses currently in operation, those recently closed, and those about to launch. All responses are confidential.
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Hawai‘i Small Business Fair Empowers Local Entrepreneurs
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The 13th Annual Hawai‘i Small Business Fair, hosted by DBEDT and partners, will offer entrepreneurs a day of free expert-led workshops and resources at Leeward Community College. With over 20 classes covering topics such as business planning, brand protection, e-commerce, and social media marketing, the event aims to support business owners in expanding their operations. More than 30 exhibitors will be on hand, representing various agencies and organizations dedicated to business growth in Hawai‘i.
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Hawai‘i Receives $18M to Improve Energy Efficiency in Large Buildings
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Hawai‘i has been awarded $18 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in large commercial buildings. This funding will support the development of a Building Performance Standard (BPS) for buildings over 50,000 square feet, which account for 80% of the state's commercial energy usage. The initiative will lower energy costs, promote job growth in skilled trades, and prioritize assistance for low- and moderate-income communities
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2024 Hawaiʻi Tourism Conference: Shaping the Future of Travel
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Photo courtesy Dana Edmunds
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The Hawai‘i Tourism Conference will take place from September 30 to October 2, 2024 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Industry professionals, government officials, and community leaders will gather to discuss key topics, including regenerative tourism, destination management, and market trends. Highlights include keynote speeches, panel discussions, a tourism expo, and a celebration of Hawai‘i’s culinary scene. The event aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the tourism sector, ensuring a sustainable future for Hawai‘i’s visitor industry.
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Save the Date: HOST Park Open House
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Mark your calendars for October 19, 2024! The Hawai‘i Ocean Science and Technology (HOST) Park is hosting an Open House at the National Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority (NELHA). This family-friendly event will showcase the latest innovations in renewable energy, aquaculture, and ocean technology with hands-on exhibits, tours, and activities for all ages. It's a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge research and meet the innovators shaping Hawai‘i’s sustainable future.
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Pacific Tech 2024 Conference
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Hosted by the Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) and supported in part by the Small Business Administration (SBA), Pacific Tech 2024 Conference is scheduled for Oct. 28-29, 2024, at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. The Pacific Tech 2024 Conference aims to connect small businesses with government and private sector opportunities. This year, the event is merging with the 2024 Pacific Defense Contracting Summit, providing even more opportunities for businesses to engage with the Department of Defense.
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For more on DBEDT and its divisions and attached agencies, please visit dbedt.hawaii.gov
Below are links to newsletters from DBEDT’s core divisions, attached agencies and related programs:
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